JPH10241024A - Automatic vending machine and automatic self-adaptive type controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To independently adjust the price of each commodity in accordance with the current selling/demanding state of an automatic vending machine by automatically assessing a current market state based on current time in a day or the current stock state or the like of a specific article. SOLUTION: Expected sales data are prepared based on expected sales (step 30). Current sales data are recorded (step 31). The sales data are compared with the expected sales data (step 32). When the current sales volume is less than the expected value at the time and one of selling commodities/service contents reaches a sell-out state, the price is raised in accordance with the value of a change table and an individual deviation from an ideal curve (step 33). When the current sales volume is not less than the ideal curve, whether the sales volume exceeds the ideal curve or not is checked (step 34). When the sales volume exceeds the ideal curve, the price of each commodity is reduced in accordance with an individual deviation from the curve (step 35).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for automatically adjusting prices according to market trends in a vending machine in which goods or services in a limited stock are provided for sale. .

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Known vending machines of the type described above, for example, are provided for sale, such as foodstuffs or fresh flowers, but generally have relatively large fluctuations in demand and sales. In addition, weather changes, holiday patterns, irregular events, and the like, which occur around such vending machines, often result in inventory loss of sold products resulting in sales loss due to corruption and the like. The vending machine may even be completely empty before being refilled.

[0003] Replenishment of individual merchandise for sale or the entire inventory is periodically performed at specific intervals. In many cases,
Past numerical values are used as a reference for calculating the exact number of commodities for replenishment. In particular, the relative inventory of different merchandise being sold has special significance.

[0004]

A distinct disadvantage of such vending machines is that replenishment is based solely on very vague past figures. In particular, the above-mentioned fluctuations in sales have not been taken into account. The only way to keep existing vending machines optimal at all times is to check each vending machine frequently and regularly, check individual stock status, and replenish replenishment early or late if necessary. is there.

[0005] These problems also occur in the field of pure services. Therefore, in the case of an independent or networked information stand (information kiosk), the usage status differs depending on the time of the day, so that it is linked to the time of day in order to offset the operating cost of the equipment itself or the operation cost of the communication network. A measure of the fees used could be considered. Another possible area is selling various types of admission tickets online. These transactions are already being handled by online services,
As with the information stands already mentioned above, significant growth is expected in the future.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vending machine of this type in accordance with the current sales / demand situation, independently, i.e. external interference requiring an operator. It is an improvement that allows the price to be adjusted without.

The object of the present invention is to record the current time of day, the current stock status of a particular item or service, or the current market data of any goods or services in a vending machine by means of a data processing unit. It is solved by. Based on these data,
The current market situation is automatically assessed, and the updated selling price is then displayed electronically as appropriate.

[0008] Therefore, in the case where the stock runs out immediately, the price of the product is raised, and when the sales are stagnant, the price is lowered. In a further embodiment, there is provided a function for displaying a "special offer" or the like, particularly when sales are stagnant.

[0009] In general, the vending machine proposed in this application operates like an electronic auctioner.

The basic concept of the present invention is the independently operating vending machine described at the beginning, but the sales pattern is
It is also applicable to sales or sales plans in other fields, which are subject to external conditions such as unpredictable weather and which require constant adjustment of prices (options) according to changing conditions.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is based on the concept of determining a price according to the instructions of an appropriate sales forecasting rule and applying it to a vending machine with such an appropriate technology. By recording a numerical value that reflects the sales status of vending machines, it is possible to start forecasting that the sales status is better than expected, worse than expected, or normal. The expected sales parameters include the following. − Types of days (weekdays, Sundays, holidays) − Time periods of the day − Times of the year (summer and winter) − Before and after events (Christmas, Easter, St. Valentine's Day, Mother's Day) − Replenishment of vending machines The ratio of the quantity sold since the point of sale to the quantity sold during the same period

In connection with such sales factors, generally, the sales process from the last replenishment to the next replenishment is extremely volatile. This relationship is clear from FIGS. 1 and 2. These figures show "quantity of goods or service (dose) per elapsed time".

In FIG. 1, the sales curve 1 shows the sales situation, and at the time of replenishment 2, the stock amount of the vending machine is the largest, and thereafter, the sales are relatively steady. The vending machine is already sold out at the time x before the next replenishment day 3. This situation can be prevented by either expediting the next replenishment date or raising the price of goods or services early (auction principle). In any case, since the vending machine is empty after the time point x, the customer is inconvenienced by this situation.

On the other hand, FIG. 2 shows that a part of the inventory is still left in the vending machine at the time of refill 4.

This indicates that if the price is lowered, the product may have been sold as usual. This means that the vending machine manager has missed the business opportunity. Further, in the case of things that rot, such as rolls and bread, fresh flowers, the goods rot, and as a result, they are not suitable for sale, resulting in loss.

The object of the present invention is to address these disadvantages.
The idea is to suggest a pricing mechanism whereby vending machines draw a completely independent sales curve and sell out as soon as possible on a new restocking date. For this reason, the present invention provides various types of tables for determining price fluctuations in a vending machine.

In the first stage, an ideal sales line corresponding to the curve 10 shown in FIG. 3 is input into a vending machine, and this is used as a basis for control. It is also advantageous to use different ideal lines for different replenishment periods (day types), such as Sundays and holidays, summer and winter. When a deviation from this ideal line occurs, the vending machine adjusts the price, which will be described in more detail below.

In the diagram shown in FIG. 4, when a deviation from each ideal line 10 occurs, the price is changed. The continuous line 10 shows the ideal sales curve, and the broken line 11 shows the current stock status. If the deviation from the ideal line exceeds a certain margin characterized by a threshold, the price is raised, for example, by 5%. FIG. 5 is a complete price change chart showing the bandwidths 20 to 24 on both sides of the ideal line 25, taking into account several different variations.

Various forms of these tables, depending on the type of day, are identified from the statistical data and stored in a database.

The database is an EEPROM (electronically electronic) that allows for easy adjustment of tables in the process of going back in time.
It is particularly advantageous to take the form of a rasable read only memory (electronic erasable read only memory). The level of detail in the database (the number of tables per day type, i.e. the number of tables or the number of curves per table per day) is determined as needed.

The method of the present invention for adjusting individual selling prices will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. First, the selling price is determined based on the estimated sales data 30 stored as a database in the form of the change table. As already discussed, several change tables associated with different external situations can also be provided. Such situations can be recorded using optical or temperature sensors (weather conditions) or time emitters (day / night) or a combination thereof.

In the embodiment, at time tx, current sales data (real values of goods and / or services) are recorded using ordinary machinery or electronic equipment 31, and this data is compared with the above-mentioned expected sales data. Is done. If the current sales volume is less than the current expected number 32 and one of the goods / services sold is likely to be sold out, the values in the change table and individual deviations from the ideal curve 33 Individual prices will be raised accordingly. Thereafter, at the specified time, the current sales data is again confirmed and processed as necessary. If the number of sales falls within a certain tolerance near the ideal line, the current price is maintained and a new comparison 32 is made later.

However, if the current sales number does not fall below the ideal line, it is checked in the next step whether the sales number exceeds the ideal line 34. If yes,
The price is reduced according to the individual deviation from the ideal curve 35.

As a result, the following steps are performed for price adjustment. -The change tables used for each product are loaded from the database in relation to the information on time of day, day type and weather stored in the buffer memory. -For each product the actual sales are compared to the bandwidth stored in the table and the next replenishment date is taken into account. -A "next" curve is thus identified. -The price is then adjusted according to the individual bandwidth.

As an alternative to the above-mentioned change table in the form of a control program stored in the vending machine, an embodiment of the present invention in the form of an electronic circuit is shown below using the principle diagram of FIG. To this end, as already mentioned above, the change table memory 40 with the database takes the form of an EEPROM.

In this embodiment, the weather, time and / or date (day type) or both are recorded for appropriate pricing using one or more sensors 41 and stored in a buffer 42. In addition, the time and / or individual dates are recorded using the timer 43 as a basis for the external circumstances surrounding the location of the vending machine. Similarly, the current sales data (actual sales) determined in each case is also stored (not shown).

The table stored in the change memory is first compared with data indicating an external situation using the comparator 44, and the result of the comparison is used as a basis for a table corresponding to such situation. Further, the current sales data is compared with the data included in each table using the comparator 44 or a comparator not shown here, and the result is passed to the price generator 45. The price generator will then provide one or more products /
Produces a suitably adjusted new price for the service, which is finally displayed by the display 46, ie visually

Using the circuit described above, a vending machine of this type can produce a completely independent corrected price according to the concept described above and can be displayed using conventional display equipment.

Alternatives to the above described circuits include "fuzzy" systems, expert systems, or neuron networks, where the ideal line for a particular external situation is constantly learned and optimized.

In summary, the following matters are disclosed regarding the configuration of the present invention.

(1) In a vending machine in which goods and services are provided at individually determined selling prices, a step (30) of creating sales forecast data based on expected sales, and current sales data (31), adjusting at least one selling price in relation to the deviation of the current sales data from the sales forecast data (33, 35), and appropriately adjusting the adjusted market price. Displaying (46) an automatic self-adaptive control of sales. (2) The method according to (1), wherein the expected sales are determined by parameters (41, 43) for measuring the situation outside the vending machine. (3) The sales forecast data can be represented by at least one data string (40) having at least one ideal sales curve together with an allocated band fluctuation width, which determines a threshold value of sales price fluctuation. And the method according to (2) above. (4) at least two data strings (variation tables) are used in the sales forecast, each recorded with at least one parameter associated with an external situation, and switching between the data strings according to the recorded situation; The method according to the above (3), wherein (5) The method according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the transition of the selling price from the high price to the low price is displayed in a special manner. (6) The method according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the ideal sales curve and / or the switching bandwidth are automatically determined or learned. (7) A vending machine in which goods and services are provided at individually determined selling prices, wherein a mechanism (40) having predicted sales data for expected sales and a record of current market data are stored. (31), a mechanism (44) for automatically inferring market trends based on the current market data and the predicted sales data, and a current market price of at least one of the goods and services or both. A mechanism for calculating (45) and a mechanism for displaying the current market price (4)
6) A vending machine characterized in that: (8) A mechanism having at least two data strings for sales prediction, a mechanism for recording an external situation correlated with at least one parameter, and switching between the data strings according to the recorded situation. Mechanism and
The vending machine according to the above (7), characterized in that: (9) A mechanism for recording the current sales data, a sensor mechanism (41) for recording the sales situation surrounding the outside of the vending machine, and a timer mechanism (4) for recording the current time
3), a memory mechanism (40) having a switching table, a comparator mechanism (44) that completes the current sales data with the corresponding sales data in the switching table, and a current market price in consideration of the comparison result. Generator mechanism (4
(5) The vending machine according to (7) or (8), characterized by a display mechanism (46) for displaying a current selling price. (10) The above (7), further including a mechanism for specially displaying a transition from a high price to a low price of the selling price.
Or the vending machine according to any one of (9).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a sales curve (hourly replacement dose) of a vending machine of the current technology.

FIG. 2 shows a sales curve (hourly replacement dose) of a vending machine of the current technology.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an ideal sales line of a vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an ideal sales curve (broken line) according to the present invention together with a currently confirmed sales curve.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a comprehensive conversion table of sales data in a special example of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing steps of price adjustment in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a main structure of an electronic circuit that performs price adjustment according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 41 Temperature sensor 42 Buffer 44 Comparator 45 Price generator 46 Display

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Jürgen Jaeger Germany Dee 51375 Reeve Erkusen Richard Wagner Straße 10 (72) Inventor Hermann Stamm-Wilbrandt Germany Dee 69239 Necker Gemundt Darsberger Stra -18 (72) Inventor Dr. Hans-Martin Walmeier Dee, Germany 69181 Laimen Diamantweg, 10 Dee

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A vending machine in which goods and services are provided at individually determined selling prices, a step (30) of creating sales forecast data based on expected sales, and Recording (31); adjusting (33, 35) at least one selling price in relation to the deviation of the current sales data from the sales forecast data; and appropriately displaying the adjusted market price. (46). An automatic self-adaptive method for controlling sales. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the expected sales are determined by parameters measuring the status outside the vending machine. 3. The sales forecast data can be represented by at least one data string (40) having at least one ideal sales curve with an assigned band variance defining a threshold for sales price fluctuations. The method according to claim 2, wherein 4. At least two data strings (variation tables) are used in sales forecasts, each recorded with at least one parameter associated with an external situation, and between the data strings depending on the recorded situation. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the switching is performed. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the transition of the selling price from high to low is indicated in a special way. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ideal sales curve and / or the switching bandwidth are determined or learned automatically. 7. A vending machine in which goods and services are provided at individually determined selling prices, wherein the vending machine has forecast sales data for expected sales.
0), a mechanism (31) having a record of current market data, a mechanism (44) for automatically inferring market trends based on the current market data and the predicted sales data, A vending machine characterized by a mechanism (45) for calculating at least one current market price of both, and a mechanism (46) for displaying the current market price. 8. A mechanism comprising at least two data strings for sales forecasting, a mechanism for recording an external situation correlated to at least one parameter, and switching between the data strings according to the recorded situation. The vending machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: 9. A mechanism for recording the current sales data, a sensor mechanism (41) for recording the sales situation surrounding the outside of the vending machine, a timer mechanism (43) for recording the current time, A memory mechanism (40) having a switching table; a comparator mechanism (44) for completing current sales data with corresponding sales data in the switching table; and a generator for generating a current market price taking into account the comparison result. The vending machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by a mechanism (45) and a display mechanism (46) for displaying a current selling price. 10. The vending machine according to claim 7, further comprising a mechanism for specially indicating a transition from a high price to a low price of the selling price.